Dominican Republic agricultural sector faces financing boosts and poultry crisis

The Dominican Republic’s agricultural sector is experiencing contrasting developments regarding financing and market stability. The Association of Dominican Landowners and Farmers (ADHA) reported that the government provided over RD$25,000 million in financing to more than 19,000 producers in 2025. Additionally, the Banco Agrícola has launched a RD$4,000 million fund, supported by a US$70 million Japanese government loan, offering 6% annual interest rates to small and medium producers of strategic crops like grains, fruits, and coffee.

Conversely, the poultry industry is facing a significant crisis. The National Association of Small and Medium Poultry Producers (Anavip) has requested urgent government intervention, warning that overproduction and a 45% increase in chicken imports, primarily from the United States, are driving market prices below production costs. Producers report selling chicken at RD$38 per pound at the farm level, while consumers pay between RD$79 and RD$100 in markets. Industry leaders are negotiating for a suspension of import permits to protect local sustainability and prevent widespread bankruptcies.